Wrongful Termination in Michigan
What Is Wrongful Termination?
While an employer does have discretion over the hiring and firing of employees, there are certain circumstances where a worker can file for wrongful termination. Termination becomes wrongful when it violates state law, federal law, or an employment agreement. Being fired from a job is never easy. A dedicated wrongful termination lawyer in Michigan understands your rights as an employee and will fight to protect them.
According to the ACLU of Michigan, the absence of a labor union contract can result in unfair firings or layoffs. However, even with this advantage for employers, they can still be liable for the following:
- Discriminating against someone for their race, sex, age, or sexual orientation
- Terminating employment after an employee refuses to participate in illegal activity
- Letting a worker go because they don’t want to pay them
Types Of Wrongful Termination
In Michigan , there are many different instances where wrongful termination can take place. In some cases, an employer is ignorant of labor laws and may not even realize they have erred. This is why big corporations rely on human resources experts. You should always turn to an attorney if you suspect you have been wrongfully terminated. In the following paragraphs are some of the red flags that you should watch out for.
Limitations of At-Will Employment
Because one of the most common forms of employment is at-will, there are limitations to this. At-will employment doesn’t allow an employer to fire a person for any discriminatory reason. Michigan state, federal, or local laws prohibit these reasons.
A publication from the Detroit EEOC Office reminds locals that generally, they can lose their jobs at any time. This freedom for employers can feel frustrating if you’ve recently experienced a layoff or firing. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to remain silent about discriminatory practices.
An employer also can’t fire an employee as a form of retaliation for reporting any illegal activities within the company. Were you fired for any of these reasons? If so, you may be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit against your employer.
Discrimination
Discrimination is one of the most common forms of wrongful termination. When an employee is fired because of their race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, pregnancy, age, or disability, it violates established laws meant to protect specific personal characteristics. There are also some states that prohibit employers from discriminating based on the gender identity or the sexual orientation of their employees.
If you believe that you have been penalized or fired in Michigan for one of these discriminatory reasons listed above, you may be able to file a claim with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. An experienced Michigan attorney can walk you through the process to help ensure the best possible outcome.
Retaliation
Your employer can’t fire you for certain protected activities. For example, your employer can’t fire you for taking medical leave, or for participating in an investigation of job violations and wage violations. Additionally, filing a complaint with the EEOC, or informing your employer about discrimination or harassment, are not fireable offenses.
The Whistleblower’s Protection Act prohibits companies from taking retribution against an employee who reports illegal activity. Michigan employees should not experience threats against their personal, property, or paychecks.
Some states also prevent employee termination for taking time off to vote, perform jury duties, or serve in the military. You also have some protection if your employer has fired you for reporting a violation of safety laws or environmental regulations.
What To Do If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated in Michigan
Have you been wrongfully terminated? You may be entitled to compensatory damages, reinstatement, back pay, and other forms of relief. However, the exact definition of wrongful termination will depend on where you live. To find out, contact a dedicated and qualified wrongful termination lawyer in Michigan. Discuss your circumstances and the laws that your employer has to follow in your area.
Remember that there are usually time constraints on how long you can wait to file your claim, so don’t delay. This could cause evidence to slip through your fingers or you may miss the deadline altogether. You want a favorable outcome and so will your lawyer, so try to approach your case as proactively as possible, even before you are certain you have one.
Starting your case for justice after a wrongful termination in Michigan often begins with filing a complaint with the EEOC. Taking this step is also a necessary prerequisite for starting a lawsuit against an employer.
Step One: Gather Evidence
It’s important to start gathering all the evidence you can, no matter how small. Ideally, you had reason to suspect that your employer might terminate you wrongfully and started the process some time before. If you need to return to the office to clear out your desk or still have access to the work email, use the opportunity wisely. However, be mindful of any employment agreements or confidentiality issues.
Step Two: Find an Attorney
Hiring an experienced Michigan wrongful termination lawyer will help you take the first steps so that you make a strong case to get the outcome you seek. Michigan employment laws are intricate and are constantly changing. Therefore, you should always work with an attorney who focuses on this specific area.
Step Three: File a Complaint
If you haven’t consulted an attorney yet, the EEOC provides a self-evaluation tool to help determine whether filing a claim is the right course of action for your situation. An attorney can streamline this process by assisting with drafting the complaint and ensuring your employer is properly notified. From there, the resolution process begins. Keep in mind, that many cases never reach the courtroom as some employers opt to settle before litigation.
If you want to speak with a representative from the EEOC in person, you can try going through the Detroit Field Office. If you live anywhere in Michigan and a deadline to file is near, they recommend calling 1-800-669-4000.
Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Michigan
Filing a wrongful termination lawsuit in Michigan can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve been treated unfairly by your employer. Speaking to an experienced lawyer can help you to understand what legal rights you have as a victim and if your case is applicable for wrongful termination. For some people, the opportunity to finally be heard also helps to ease the burden they’ve been carrying.
We understand that finding the right attorney can be hard. This is why we created our service to connect clients in need with experienced Michigan attorneys. To match with the right lawyer, you simply provide your location, category, and some other additional information. We then send you your options as soon as they are available.
Our company charges no fees to connect you with the legal services you need. Some Michigan attorneys or practice areas may require legal fees upfront, but there are many that do not. Some professionals may not charge a single penny at all until they win your case.
Are you ready to find a qualified Michigan attorney who can help you fight for your job or get justice for the wrongful termination you suffered? We can even help you connect with an attorney across Michigan state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with a wrongful termination lawyer in Michigan!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations. Contact Aaron at [email protected] for article suggestions, collaborations, or inquiries.